Optimization of oestradiol assays to improve utility in an in vitro fertilization setting

BackgroundThe measurement of oestradiol is an integral component for the management of ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization. Automated immunoassays offer fast assay times and high throughput, with less sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study is to optimize the oestradiol assay in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization via comparison of oestradiol values obtained using two immunoassays compared with mass spectrometry.MethodsPatients undergoing ovarian stimulation were prospectively recruited. Serum samples were analysed with ADVIA Centaur® CP Immunoassay, Abbott Architect i1000® immunoassay and AB Sciex 5500 liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) systems. Per cent bias was determined for each system to report the average tendency of the values to be larger or smaller than the LC-MS/MS value. Linear regression of total follicular volume and oestradiol was computed.ResultsThe ADVIA Centaur® CP assay had a positive bias of 20% compared with L...